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Dog Training Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AKC evaluator or instructor credentials * Pet CPR and First Aid * Canine massage or related ... about the dogs entrusted to them, and understands that great training requires patience ...

Lead daily training routes, task sessions, and real-world exposures. * Observe behavioral or ... ADI-certified service dog instructor. * If you're not certified yet but have strong working-dog ...

Dog Trainer

York, PA · On-site

$1.0K/wk

Provide World Class Dog Training Services * Attend and successfully pass Petco's 6-week Dog Trainer Instructor Program led by a Petco Certified Dog Trainer Mentor/Academy Instructor. * Complete all ...

Dog Trainer

York, PA · On-site

$1.0K/wk

Provide World Class Dog Training Services * Attend and successfully pass Petco's 6-week Dog Trainer Instructor Program led by a Petco Certified Dog Trainer Mentor/Academy Instructor. * Complete all ...

Provide World Class Dog Training Services * Attend and successfully pass Petco's 6-week Dog Trainer Instructor Program led by a Petco Certified Dog Trainer Mentor/Academy Instructor. * Complete all ...

Provide World Class Dog Training Services * Attend and successfully pass Petco's 6-week Dog Trainer Instructor Program led by a Petco Certified Dog Trainer Mentor/Academy Instructor. * Complete all ...

Provide World Class Dog Training Services * Attend and successfully pass Petco's 6-week Dog Trainer Instructor Program led by a Petco Certified Dog Trainer Mentor/Academy Instructor. * Complete all ...

Provide World Class Dog Training Services * Attend and successfully pass Petco's 6-week Dog Trainer Instructor Program led by a Petco Certified Dog Trainer Mentor/Academy Instructor. * Complete all ...

Provide World Class Dog Training Services * Attend and successfully pass Petco's 6-week Dog Trainer Instructor Program led by a Petco Certified Dog Trainer Mentor/Academy Instructor. * Complete all ...

HI · On-site

Provide World Class Dog Training Services * Attend and successfully pass Petco's 6-week Dog Trainer Instructor Program led by a Petco Certified Dog Trainer Mentor/Academy Instructor. * Complete all ...

Provide World Class Dog Training Services * Attend and successfully pass Petco's 6-week Dog Trainer Instructor Program led by a Petco Certified Dog Trainer Mentor/Academy Instructor. * Complete all ...

Provide World Class Dog Training Services * Attend and successfully pass Petco's 6-week Dog Trainer Instructor Program led by a Petco Certified Dog Trainer Mentor/Academy Instructor. * Complete all ...

Provide World Class Dog Training Services * Attend and successfully pass Petco's 6-week Dog Trainer Instructor Program led by a Petco Certified Dog Trainer Mentor/Academy Instructor. * Complete all ...

Provide World Class Dog Training Services * Attend and successfully pass Petco's 6-week Dog Trainer Instructor Program led by a Petco Certified Dog Trainer Mentor/Academy Instructor. * Complete all ...

Provide World Class Dog Training Services * Attend and successfully pass Petco's 6-week Dog Trainer Instructor Program led by a Petco Certified Dog Trainer Mentor/Academy Instructor. * Complete all ...

Provide World Class Dog Training Services * Attend and successfully pass Petco's 6-week Dog Trainer Instructor Program led by a Petco Certified Dog Trainer Mentor/Academy Instructor. * Complete all ...

Provide World Class Dog Training Services * Attend and successfully pass Petco's 6-week Dog Trainer Instructor Program led by a Petco Certified Dog Trainer Mentor/Academy Instructor. * Complete all ...

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Dog Training Instructor information

See salary details

$35.5K

$68.7K

$103.5K

How much do dog training instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for dog training instructor in the United States is $68,677.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $75,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a dog training instructor do?

A Dog Training Instructor teaches dogs and their owners how to develop good behavior, follow commands, and address behavioral issues. They create training plans tailored to each dog's needs, demonstrate techniques, and provide guidance during classes or private sessions. Instructors also educate owners on positive reinforcement, effective communication, and best practices for handling their pets. Their goal is to strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners through consistent and humane training methods.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dog training instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Dog Training Instructor, you need a solid understanding of animal behavior, training techniques, and often a certification from organizations like the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). Familiarity with training tools such as clickers, leashes, and positive reinforcement systems, as well as record-keeping software, is common in the field. Patience, excellent communication, and the ability to motivate both dogs and their owners are standout soft skills. These abilities ensure effective training outcomes, client satisfaction, and safe, humane treatment of animals.

What are some common challenges dog training instructors face when working with clients and their pets?

Dog Training Instructors often encounter challenges such as varying levels of owner commitment, differences in dog temperaments, and clients' unrealistic expectations about training timelines. Building trust with both the dog and the owner is essential, as is communicating clearly about the importance of consistency at home. Instructors must frequently adapt their teaching style and training methods to suit each dog's unique needs while fostering positive relationships with pet owners to ensure lasting results.

What is the difference between Dog Training Instructor vs Pet Trainer?

AspectDog Training InstructorPet Trainer
CertificationsDog training certifications (e.g., CPDT-KA)Varies; often includes pet behavior or training courses
Work EnvironmentTraining dogs in classes, private sessions, or sheltersTraining multiple pets, including dogs, cats, and small animals
Employer & IndustryDog training schools, pet stores, sheltersPet stores, grooming salons, pet care facilities
Search & Comparison IntentFocuses specifically on dog training techniques and behaviorBroader pet training, including various animals

Dog Training Instructors specialize in training dogs, often holding specific certifications and working primarily with dogs in various settings. Pet Trainers may work with multiple types of pets and animals, with training approaches that can vary. While both roles involve animal training, Dog Training Instructors focus exclusively on dogs and related behavior modification.

More about Dog Training Instructor jobs

What are popular job titles related to Dog Training Instructor jobs?

For Dog Training Instructor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Dog Training Instructor job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,677 per year, or $33 per hour.

Dog Training Instructor - 6 hours per week (Methuen, MA)

Methuen, MA

$30 - $50/hr

Part-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

This is a part-time position working 6 hours per week: Monday and Wednesday evenings required, flexibility for other hours a bonus.

THE POSITION:

Our Dog Training Instructor conducts weekly group training classes and/or private lessons in a positive and professional manner so as to improve the lives of people and their dogs. This fun position will require you to teach all levels of the sport of Nosework, from beginners to competition.

The job duties include following class materials and course curriculum, answering client questions, using behavioral knowledge and experience to shape the behavior of pet owners and their dogs during classroom instruction.

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - 50.00 per hour depending on experience. Please note that candidates with additional experience or credentials may be eligible for compensation aligned with their qualifications. 

APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS:

If you have your CPDT-KA, CPDT-KSA, or KPA-CTP certification with at least 3 years of experience with teaching group dog training classes, Nosework competition experience, are able to restrain, train and handle dogs humanely, and have a working knowledge of all pertinent animal behavior tools (i.e. clicker, leashes, collars and harnesses) please consider joining the MSPCA-Angell Behavior staff.

Physical requirements:

  • Mandatory regular attendance and punctual presence.
  • Must be able to stand for prolonged periods of time.
  • Must be able to bend, crouch and reach
  • Must be able to lift 50lbs without assistance.

We are looking for compassionate, positive, self-motivated and organized applicants who demonstrate excellent judgment, interpersonal skills and the willingness to work with our clients and in a customer- focused manner, and who can integrate with MSPCA Angell Behavior staff.

We require applicants to include a cover letter with your application that details your experience with animals.